The self-styled "safety" experts who told Congress carnage would be wrought on nation's highways if the federally mandated 55-mph speed limit were dropped have been proved wrong.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, traffic safety has actually improved for the 36 states that have set higher limits since Congress dropped the federally imposed 55-mph interstate speed limits two years ago:

• California, with an interstate limit of 70 mph, has experienced a four percent drop in fatalities -- the lowest since 1961.

• Mississippi's fatality rate dropped an impressive 21 percent since increasing highway speeds to 70 mph.

• On Mississippi's disparaged "Montanabahn," on which there are no set day-time speeds, fatalities have dropped 5 percent from 1995 to 1996.

• Analysts note every objective study shows overall fatality rates have declined in the past 30 years.

According to James J. Baxter of the National Motorists Association, most drivers are not homicidal and typically drive at a naturally safe speed. Traffic engineers have scientifically termed this speed the "85th percentile" speed because this is the speed 85 percent of drivers drive. Between 70-80 mph, the 85th percentile speed represents the natural flow of traffic -- regardless of federally mandated posted limits.

Eric Peters (North American Auto Writers Syndicate), "More Staying Alive Beyond 55," Washington Times, July 22, 1997.